Should God forgive her She was her mother 1799

Francisco Goya created this etching, "Should God forgive her? She was her mother," using metal plates, acid, and ink. Etching allowed Goya to create detailed, reproducible images that could reach a wide audience. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through the careful application of ink, emphasizes the emotional weight of the scene. The aquatint gives a grainy tonality that adds drama to the scene. Goya’s technique reflects the social context of his time, as printmaking became increasingly popular for disseminating political and social commentary. The amount of labor involved in the etching process—from preparing the metal plate to the final print—highlights the meticulousness required to capture the complexities of human experience. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can understand the full meaning of Goya's artwork, and challenge the distinctions between fine art and craft.